Obituary of Sr. Theresa G. Nelen

NELEN – Sr. Theresa G., 87, of the Carmelite Community of the Word, Gallitzin, passed away peacefully August 22, 2024 after a brief illness. Born September 19, 1936 in Chest Springs, daughter of the late Henry and Emma (Smith) Nelen. Preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, her sisters of the religious community, Sr. Mary Gainino, Sr. Maryann Palko, Sr. Margie Monehan, Sr. Celeste Ciesielka and Sr. Karen Elizabeth Duddy. She is survived by her sisters of the Carmelite Community of the Word; her sister Mary Buck, of Hastings and numerous nieces and nephews. Sr. Theresa professed vows July 5, 1959. In her 65 years of religious life she served the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese as an elementary school teacher and as a principal in many Catholic schools in the diocese. After her retirement from teaching she served as a pastoral minister, conducted adult education classes and she provided hospitality support at the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Loretto. She was an avid gardener. She loved to crochet and many family members and friends have been the recipients of her creations.

Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday at the Carmelite Community of the Word Motherhouse, 394 Bem Road, Gallitzin, Pa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday at the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Loretto, Most Rev. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak, celebrant. Interment at Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sr. Theresa’s memory may be made to the Carmelite Community of the Word, 394 Bem Road, Gallitzin, Pa. 16641

Arrangements are in the care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg. Condolences to the family and community may be made to www.askew-houser.com